Refugee and Asylee Services in Alaska

What refugee and asylee services are available in Alaska?

1. Refugee Resettlement Services: Alaska offers resettlement services to refugees and asylees through the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, Office of Children’s Services. These services include assistance with housing, access to health care, language instruction and job training.

2. Refugee Employment Assistance: The Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development provides employment assistance to refugees and asylees in the form of job skills training, resume assistance, job search guidance, and referrals to job openings.

3. Refugee Legal Services: The Alaska Network on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (ANDVSA) provides free legal services to refugees and asylees in matters related to immigration, family law, civil rights, public benefits, and victims of crime.

4. Refugee Health Services: The Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium provides culturally appropriate healthcare services to refugees and asylees in Alaska. These services include medical care, mental health care, substance abuse treatment, and dental care.

5. Refugee Education Services: The Alaska State Department of Education provides educational support services for refugees and asylees in the form of English language instruction, career readiness training, post-secondary education support services, and GED preparation classes.

Is there a local office providing refugee and asylee services in Alaska?

Yes, Catholic Social Services Alaska has a Refugee and Asylee Services Program located in Anchorage. The organization provides services such as resettlement services, employment services, and case management for refugees and asylees in Alaska.

How do I apply for refugee status in Alaska?

In order to apply for refugee status in Alaska, you would need to submit an application for Refugee Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP) at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Field Office located in Anchorage. The application must include the necessary paperwork, evidence of refugee status, and a valid passport. Once the application is approved, you will be eligible to receive assistance from the USCIS Refugee Resettlement Program. For more information, please visit the USCIS website.

Are there specific organizations offering asylee assistance in Alaska?

Yes, there are several organizations in Alaska that provide assistance for asylees. These include:

1. Refugee Assistance & Immigration Services (RAIS): RAIS specializes in providing assistance to refugees, asylees, and survivors of human trafficking.

2. Alaska Immigration Justice Project (AIJP): AIJP provides free legal services to immigrants in Alaska.

3. Cook Inlet Tribal Council’s Refugee Services: This organization provides culturally appropriate services, including resettlement assistance, to refugees and asylees in Anchorage.

4. Alaska Immigrant Rights Coalition (AIRC): AIRC is a statewide nonprofit that works to promote civil and human rights for immigrants in Alaska. They provide legal assistance, education, and outreach services to immigrants and their families.

5. Alaska Native Heritage Center: The Alaska Native Heritage Center provides cultural and educational programs designed to promote the understanding of Native cultures, including support for asylees and refugees.

What government agencies handle refugee and asylee services in Alaska?

1. Refugee and Asylee Services within the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS)
2. Immigrant and Refugee Programs within the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development
3. Refugee Services in the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development
4. Refugee Assistance Program in the Alaska Office of Children’s Services
5. Refugee Program in Catholic Social Services Alaska
6. Refugee Resettlement Program in the International Rescue Committee – Alaska

Can I get legal assistance for my asylum case in Alaska?

Yes, you can get legal assistance for your asylum case in Alaska. There are various organizations and resources available to help you with your asylum case. For more information, please contact the Alaska Immigrant Justice Center (AJIC) at 907-743-2094 or visit their website at www.aijcak.org. Additionally, you can also contact the Immigration Law Office of Alaska at 907-272-2599 or visit their website at www.iloaak.org for assistance with your asylum case.

What benefits are available for refugees in Alaska?

Refugees in Alaska are eligible for the same benefits as U.S. citizens, including access to public education, medical care, and employment opportunities. Refugees may also be eligible for certain state and federal assistance programs, including Medicaid, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and other social service programs. Additionally, refugees may be eligible for refugee resettlement assistance from the International Rescue Committee (IRC) or Alaskan refugee resettlement agencies. These services can include case management, job placement, English language classes, and other resources to help refugees adjust to life in Alaska.

Are there language assistance programs for refugees in Alaska?

Yes, there are language assistance programs for refugees in Alaska. Some of these programs include: The English Access Microscholarship Program, the Refugee Education and Employment Program (REEP), and the Alaska Migrant Education Program (AMEP).

Can I access healthcare services as a refugee in Alaska?

Yes, refugees in Alaska have access to healthcare services. The State of Alaska offers Refugee Health Assistance Program (RHAP) to provide healthcare services for refugees who are ineligible for Medicaid. Through RHAP, refugees can access services such as doctor visits, immunizations, vision and hearing exams, lab tests, and more. Additionally, the Refugee Health Screening Program (RHSP) provides medical screenings for newly arrived refugees.

What employment services are available for refugees and asylees in Alaska?

1. Refugee Employment Program (REP): This program is designed to help refugees and asylees find meaningful employment, including job search assistance, training and job referrals. The program also provides case management to ensure that clients have access to the necessary resources to become self-sufficient.

2. Refugee Career Pathways: This program offers refugees and asylees the opportunity to find a career path that suits their skills and interests. The program provides assessment, career planning, job placement, job training, and other support services.

3. Immigrant Integration Project (IIP): This program is administered by the Office of Refugee Resettlement and provides services designed to assist refugees and asylees in Alaska with finding meaningful employment. Services include vocational training, career counseling, job search assistance, job placement, and other related services.

4. English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL): This program provides English language instruction to refugees and asylees in Alaska. It offers high quality instruction in all aspects of English language acquisition needed for employment and successful integration into the Alaskan workforce.

5. Refugee Job Readiness Training: This program is designed to provide refugees and asylees with the skills and knowledge needed to enter the Alaskan workforce. It offers job readiness classes such as resume writing, interviewing practice, computer training, time management, and more.

Are there housing assistance programs for refugees in Alaska?

Yes, there are housing assistance programs for refugees in Alaska. The Alaska Refugee Assistance Program (ARAP) helps refugees and asylees with short-term rental assistance, security deposits, and other housing costs. ARAP also provides support for housing-related needs such as furniture, household items, and language assistance. Additionally, the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services provides housing assistance for refugees and asylees. This includes the Refugee Cash Assistance Program which helps to cover basic living costs such as rent, utilities, and other household necessities.

How can I sponsor a refugee family in Alaska?

You can sponsor a refugee family in Alaska through a few different organizations. The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is one such organization that helps resettle refugees in Alaska. The IRC works with both private sponsors and community organizations to welcome refugees to the state. The IRC also provides assistance to refugees in the form of case management, English language classes, housing, employment, and social services. You can contact the IRC to learn more about sponsoring a refugee family in Alaska or to make a donation to their organization. The U.S. State Department also works with resettlement agencies such as the IRC to help refugees resettle in Alaska. The State Department’s website provides information on how to become a private sponsor of a refugee family, as well as how to donate funds or volunteer your time and skills to help refugees settle into their new homes.

What educational resources are available for refugee children in Alaska?

1. Refugee Education Resources: The Alaska State Refugee Program provides a variety of educational resources for refugee children in Alaska, such as special assistance with English language learning, afterschool programs, and summer session courses.

2. The International Rescue Committee (IRC): The IRC provides educational and enrichment classes to help refugee children in Alaska access quality education and develop the skills needed to succeed in school.

3. Alaskan Native Tribes: Alaskan native tribes offer a variety of educational resources, such as tutoring and cultural activities, to help integrate refugee children into the local community.

4. Alaska Department of Education and Early Development: The department offers a variety of programs and services, such as the Refugee Education Assistance Program (REAP), to support refugee children in overcoming barriers to education and developing the skills they need to succeed in school.

5. Alaska State Library: The library offers a range of resources for refugee children, such as books, e-books, audiobooks, and videos in multiple languages.

Are there community integration programs for asylees in Alaska?

Yes, there are several community integration programs for asylees in Alaska. These include programs such as the Alaska Refugee Resettlement Program, which provides job assistance, employment counseling, English language classes, housing assistance and referrals to other services. The International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Anchorage provides additional support to help asylees become integrated into the community. Additionally, several other non-profits such as the Alaska Immigrant Justice Project and the Imprint Alaska provide a variety of supportive services to asylees in Alaska.

How long does the asylum application process take in Alaska?

The length of the asylum application process in Alaska varies depending on a number of factors, including the complexity of the asylum case and the availability of resources. Generally, the application process may take several months or even years to complete. Additionally, applicants may experience delays due to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services processing backlogs or additional reviews.

Is there a helpline for questions about refugee and asylee services in Alaska?

Yes, there is a helpline for questions about refugee and asylee services in Alaska. The helpline is run by the Alaska Refugee Assistance Project (ARAP) and can be reached at 907-222-ARAP (907-222-2727).

Can I apply for public assistance as a refugee in Alaska?

Yes, you can apply for public assistance as a refugee in Alaska. The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services operates a Refugee Assistance Program which provides financial assistance and other services to refugees. To be eligible for the program, you must be a refugee or have been granted asylum in the United States. Additionally, you must be a resident of Alaska and meet certain income requirements. To learn more about the program and how to apply, visit the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services website.

What cultural orientation programs exist for refugees in Alaska?

1. Alaska Refugee Assistance Program (ARAP): ARAP is a partnership between the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services and Catholic Social Services (CSS), that provides refugees with community-based cultural orientation and support services to help them become self-sufficient in their new home. The program includes an orientation to American culture, language, and customs as well as assistance with employment, education, health care, and other social services.

2. Refugee Assistance Center (RAC): RAC is a non-profit organization that provides cultural orientation to newly arrived refugees in Alaska. This program focuses on providing refugees with information about cultural customs, laws, language, and job opportunities in their new home. The program also provides counseling and referral services to help refugees adjust to life in Alaska and become self-sufficient.

3. Refugee Empowerment Program (REP): REP is a project of the International Institute of Alaska that provides practical assistance to refugees, including cultural orientation, job training, language classes, and community-based support. The program also offers refugee youth programming with cultural activities and opportunities for leadership development.

4. Alaska Refugee Education & Employment Network (A-REEN): A-REEN is a coalition of organizations that provide support services for refugee youth including mentoring, tutoring, and cultural orientation programs to help them become successful in their new environment. The program also provides language classes for adults and job placement assistance.

Can refugees work immediately upon arrival in Alaska?

Yes, refugees are eligible to work immediately upon arrival in Alaska. However, they must apply for and receive authorization from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services before they can begin working.

Are there social support programs for asylees in Alaska?

Yes, there are social support programs for asylees in Alaska. These include the Refugee and Asylee Immigration Services (RAIS) Program, which provides case management services to asylees; the Refugee Employment Assistance Program, which offers job placement and other employment services; and the Refugee Social Services Program, which provides financial, housing, and other forms of assistance to asylees. Additionally, organizations like World Relief Anchorage offer a variety of services for asylees including language classes, legal assistance, mental health counseling, and more.